the storm put romney in a bind. while the president can lead relief efforts -- >> this is something heartbreaking for the nation. >> reporter: there's not much for romney to do beyond encouraging supporters to pitch in. with fema working overtime, democrats are hammering him for what he said at a debate when asked if some of fema's responsibilities should be turned over to the states. >> absolutely. any time you have an occasion to take something from the federal government and send it back to the states, that's the right direction. and if you can go even further and send it back to the private sector, that's even better. >> reporter: romney wouldn't answer questions about that. >> governor, would you eliminate fema if you were president? >> reporter: with canceled events, the campaign continues. bill clinton led a rally in indianapolis that appeared entirely political. with a race this close, not even a storm of the century can bring the campaign to a halt. jonathan karl, abc news, kettering, ohio. cover everything